APLSCD August Meeting Sensitization Tour

The months of July and August have been mapped out by Christian women of both Catholic and Anglican extractions as a period of homecoming, and communal meetings during which they address issues that concern them, their families and their society.

During this year's August Meeting exercise, the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, led by Ms Aisha Maureen Edward toured several Catholic and Anglican churches in Anambra state spreading the gospel of Sickle Cell Disorder while introducing the new booklet that addresses Sickle Cell scourge with contributions from various medical experts and policy makers.

The coordinator shared that it was the best forum to address them and enjoin them on why they should allow their sickle cell children a breath of fresh air and stop hording them because they are ashamed of them.

"These mothers happen to be 90% of our problem given their low emphasis of pursuing the cause of Sickle Cell patients and more emphasis on Widows and suchlike. They also aid and abet their sickle cell carrier daughters in forging their genotype test results which is usually the genesis of incompatible marriages."

APLSCD was able to stir remorse in the mothers making them see the need to take over the campaign to their various homes and churches, educating their wards with the aid of the rich information provided in the Sickle Cell booklet.

Ms Edward appreciated the president of Catholic Women Organization, Awka Diocese, Mrs Appolonia Chukwuma, the wife of the Bishop of Awka Anglican Diocese, Mrs Chioma Ibezim, and Mrs Efobi, wife of the Aguata Anglican Diocese for ensuring her association was given the platform to address the women during their meetings in the various parishes within the diocese.

She also thanked the Catholic bishop of Awka diocese, Most Revd Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Anglican Arch Bishops of Aguata and Awka Diocese, Archbishop Christian Efobi and Rt. Revd. Alex Ibezim, for their continued support of the Sickle Cell cause.

Aisha then disclosed that the association's next port of call would be traditional rulers to sensitize them on the need to check the excesses of traditional marriage ceremonies especially as it concerns genotypic incompatible marriages.

Some of the communities visited were Nise, Nibo, Nawfia, Ukwulu, Ukpo, Akwaeze, Neni, Obeledu, Enugu ukwu, Ifite dunu, and Abagana, Agulu and Ekwulobia.